April 29, 2016

Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon suspended 80 games for PEDs

MIAMI — Miami Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon has been suspended 80 games without pay by Major League Baseball for testing positive for two performance-enhancing substances: exogenous testosterone and clostebol.

The reigning National League batting champion signed a five-year, $50 million contract extension with a $14 million vesting option for 2021 on Jan. 18. He will not be able to return to the Marlins until Thursday, July 28, one day after they conclude a three-game home series against the Philadelphia Phillies at Marlins Park.

Gordon is a career .291/.326/.368 hitter with 105 extra-base hits in 494 games. He led Major League Baseball in steals in two consecutive seasons — 64 in 2014 and 58 in 2015 — as well as in triples in 2014, 12, and hits in 2015, 205.

Gordon is the son of former Phillies closer and World Series champion, Tom Gordon, who saved 42 games in 53 opportunities in red pinstripes from 2006 to 2008.

Dee will lose approximately $1.65 million in salary during the suspension, according to ESPN. He is the fourth member of the National League East to be suspended this year for PED violations, joining right-hander Jenrry Mejia (162 games) and third baseman Eudor Garcia (80) of the New York Mets and left-hander Daniel Stumpf (80) of the Phillies.